Tranny swap or engine repower?

[Bearmtn]

I repowered my Wanderlodge because I couldn't take 15 mph both up and down any more, and in British Columbia 6 per cent is a gentle grade. Its been more than a year, 400 hours and around $20,000 after buying a donor truck and doing every single thing myself. I knew what I was getting into and do not regret it but you need to be realistic with the cost benefit analysis.

[dulobast25]

Originally Posted by Bearmtn

I repowered my Wanderlodge because I couldn't take 15 mph both up and down any more, and in British Columbia 6 per cent is a gentle grade. Its been more than a year, 400 hours and around $20,000 after buying a donor truck and doing every single thing myself. I knew what I was getting into and do not regret it but you need to be realistic with the cost benefit analysis.

Glad to hear an opposing opinion.

Here are the objective truths:

Value is in the eye of the beholder.
Rvs are rarely a good investment when $ in vs $ out are considered in isolation.
As such any repower is likely not gonna pass the cost benefit analysis.. but it all points back to the meaning of "benefit"

For me, nor being able to travel where I want towing what I want is a benefit. Based on what I have learned so far, my current setup does not meet my needs.

I question the wisdom of buying one rv (poor $ investment #1) and then following that up with purchasing another rv (poor $ investment #2).

I have to balance buying one rv (poor $ investment #1) and then following that up with purchasing another rv (poor $ investment #2) vs adding more $ to poor $ investment #1 +1 labor and opportunity cost 1 vs leaving as is + opportunity cost 2.

considering the current cost of rvs... buying a newer one seems silly

[dulobast25]

Is it a bad time to mention that I was able to purchase an 8.3 Cummins with 27k miles (less than my coach) and 6 speed transmission and radiator, intercooler, tranny cooler, electric fans, turbo, etc with all accessories minus tranny ecu?

[Keith55]

Might be easier to add an engine in the front and then you would have 4WD.

[dulobast25]

Originally Posted by Keith55

Might be easier to add an engine in the front and then you would have 4WD.

trust me, i thought of that, except with electric motors, but alas, too much work and $$$$

[PKI]

Originally Posted by dulobast25

-- snip -- 8.3 Cummins -- snip --

Sounds like you have a plan. Let us know how it works out.

[dulobast25]

Originally Posted by PKI

Sounds like you have a plan. Let us know how it works out.

thanks.

first step is to purchase an Allison md3060 tranny ecu and harness!!!!!!!